Dry Malt Extract

Home brewers have two options when it comes to malt extracts and these include the liquid and dry malt extracts. Dry malt extract is made from raw grains that have undergone the same process as the liquid malt extract except that the liquid has been evaporated further from the wort during the final stages of its manufacturing.

Since dry malt extract has a moisture content of less than 3%, it has a longer shelf life compared to liquid malt extract. It is commonly used to make different styles of beer including light, extra light, amber, wheat, and dark.(more info below)

As mentioned earlier, the process of making dry malt extract is similar to the liquid malt extract except on the last process. The first step, milling, grinds the raw grains so that it is easier to extract the sugar from the grain in the succeeding process. Once the grains have been ground up, it is then boiled at different temperatures to break down the starch for easier fermentation. The mashing process produces the liquid wort and debris called trub, which is then separate through filtration.

Once the liquid wort is completely free from debris, it is then cooled before it is subjected to drying to produce the dry malt extract. When drying the malt, there are several methods that can be used and these include spray and vacuum drying to completely get rid of the moisture.

While producing liquid malt is not easy, dry malt extract is more challenging as it requires commercial dryers to completely remove the moisture. As a home brewer, it is highly improbable for you to start making your own dry malt extract but you can still get your hands on some from us. Here at Ontario Beer Kegs, we have a wide selection of dry malt extracts that you can choose from so that you can start making deliciously flavoured beer even if you are a beginner.